ICI UNIVERSITY

School of Bible and Theology

David D. Duncan, Associate Dean for Curriculum Development

Autumn 1995... Report from the Road

Background:

We operate offices in some 135 countries and have a cumulative enrollment of 40,000,000 in one of our evangelism courses (Great Questions of Life) with some 600,000 written responses to the gospel appeal. Our college level has a cumulative enrollment of about 40,000, and we currently provide the Bible curriculum for a considerable number of other missionary organizations. We have included a Masters Program for the international community that is doing well' moreover, it provides a viable study program at the advanced level for students in the hinterlands of the continents and thus keeps them at home instead of requiring them

to study abroad and then face the temptation of not returning to what is often the primitive conditions from which they came.

MISSIONARY INFORMATION:

Name: David D. Duncan

COUNTRY: United States based. (we spent eight years in the Marshall Islands administering the program of Calvary Bible Institute. We have spent eighteen plus years with ICI (thirteen in Europe and three in the United States) in the development of curricula for use around the world.

MAILING ADDRESS: 9945 Edmund Drive, Benbrook, TX 76126

E-MAIL ADDRESS: We have none yet; however, we will be securing one soon.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Sondra and I are married and have three children. I have a B.A. and an M.A. from California State University at Fullerton, a D. Min. (all but dissertation) from the California Graduate School of Theology, and am a candidate for the Ph.D. at the University of North Texas. I've authored or co-authored five textbooks in the Bible-Theology field. I am a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi honors societies. We are veterans of 26 plus years in foreign missions. We are available presently as educational consultants and are scheduled to conduct a Masters-level seminar entitled "Bible School Organization and Administration" for 25-30 leaders from the Middle East and Europe soon. Our particular area of expertise lies in the area of curriculum development and instructional design.

LONG RANGE GOALS:

We believe the Lord has prepared us uniquely for setting up Bible schools and training centers in cross-cultural settings. Our experience in writing curricula for this audience and field testing the materials abroad, as well as working with writers from some 30 countries in developing the print medium, has given us a first-hand knowledge of the learning characteristics of many different students and of ways to communicate effectively to them. This will stand us in good as we teach leaders how to structure and administer Bible schools in their respective countries. We also believe that staff development is one crucial element in developing truly viable national churches. As the Lord enables, we will develop materialsand modules for this purpose.

CURRENT EFFORTS:

We are currently involved in producing computer-based educational (CBE) materials. Perhaps it would be better to say, atleast at present, that we're seeking to adapt print-based educational materials into the computer-based format for those who need individualized instruction or for group based instruction in learning centers. This presents a formidable challengesince most people who know computer programming do not have expertise in curriculum development or instructional design. In my own case, I wish I could draw on the expertise of Christian programmers so that I coule give myself to my primary area of expertise in course development. This of course, represents an urgent prayer request. I've had a number of "takers," But in the final analysis no one has been able to devote the time neessary to deal with our needs.

CURRENT INSPIRATIONAL EVENTS:

It was with sadness and frustration that we left Europe over three years ago. We did not understand why the Lord was "bringing us back home to do foreign missionary work." However, He has opened doors for us to minister to many Bible schools and seminaries here and to offer the assistance many need in the development of of their curricula for external studies. In addition, He has enabled us to complete oureducational studies and thus enhance our skills for work overseas. Clearly, we did not forsee what He was doing; however, as requestscontinue for us to come to Europe for training seminars, we know that He had our future undercontrol and superbly designed for our good andHis glory. This has been another indication that God guides the steps of His people.

PRAYER REQUESTS AND NEEDS:

As noted above, we need help with program development, particularly with the programming needs that face us as we endeavor to provide up-to-date materials that are state-of-the-art and interactive. In our view, there is no need to "reinvent the wheel," that is, to go through the time-consuming and expensive process of creating our own programs when what we need may be there ready for us to use. The secular world is buzzing with creativity as teachers are beginning to see the tremendous educational potential of the computer, and they are adapting, innovating, and collaborating to hasten the process. Pray with us about the need to bring together expertise from the computer and education worlds within the redeemed community so that we may truly maximize our potential in this tremendous hour of opportunity.

Sincerely yours in Christ, David D. Duncan